The silicone depletion in combination products induced by biologics.

Silicone oil (SO) migration into the drug product of combination products for biopharmaceuticals during storage is a common challenge. As the inner barrel surface is depleted of SO the extrusion forces can increase compromising the container functionality. In this context we investigated the impact of different formulations on the increase in gliding forces in a spray-on siliconized pre-filled syringe upon storage at 2-8 °C, 25 °C and 40 °C for up to 6 months. We tested the formulation factors such as surfactant type, pH, and ionic strength in the presence of one monoclonal antibody (mAb) as well as compared three mAbs in one formulation. After 1 month at 40 °C, the extrusion forces were significantly increased due to SO detachment dependent on the fill medium. The storage at 40 °C enhanced the SO migration process but it could also be observed at lower storage temperatures. Regarding the formulation factors the tendency for SO migration was predominantly dependent on the presence and type of surfactant. Interestingly, when varying the mAb molecules, one of the proteins showed a rather stabilizing effect on the SO layer resulting into higher container stability. In contrast to the formulation factors, those different stability outcomes could not be explained by interfacial tension (IFT) measurements at the SO interface. Further characterization of the mAb molecules regarding interfacial rheology and conformational stability were not adequately able to explain the observed difference. Solely a hydrophobicity ranking of the molecules correlated to the stability outcome. Further investigations are needed to clarify the role of the protein in the SO detachment process and to understand the cause for the stabilization. However, the study clearly demonstrated that the protein itself plays a critical role in the SO detachment process and underlined the importance to include verum for container stability.

Dynamical Transition in Dehydrated Proteins.

Terahertz time-domain spectroscopy and differential scanning calorimetry were used to study the role of the dynamics of biomolecules decoupled from solvent effects. Lyophilized sucrose exhibited steadily increasing absorption with temperature as anharmonic excitations commenced as the system emerged from a deep minimum of the potential energy landscape where harmonic vibrations dominate. The polypeptide bacitracin and two globular proteins, lysozyme and human serum albumin, showed a more complex temperature dependence. Further analysis focused on the spectral signature below and above the boson peak. We found evidence of the onset of anharmonic motions that are characteristic for partial unfolding and molecular jamming in the dry biomolecules. The activation of modes of the protein molecules at temperatures comparable to the protein dynamical transition temperature was observed in the absence of hydration. No evidence of Fröhlich coherence, postulated to facilitate biological function, was found in our experiments.

Molecular Dynamics Study of Protein Aggregation at Moving Interfaces.

Repeated compression and dilation of a protein film adsorbed to an interface lead to aggregation and entry of film fragments into the bulk. This is a major mechanism for protein aggregate formation in drug products upon mechanical stress, such as shaking or pumping. To gain a better understanding of these events, we developed a molecular dynamics (MD) setup, which would, in a later stage, allow for in silico formulation optimization. In contrast to previous approaches, the molecules of our model protein human growth hormone displayed realistic shapes, surfaces, and interactions with each other and the interface. This enabled quantitative assessment of protein cluster formation. Simulation outcomes aligned with experimental data on subvisible particles and turbidity, thereby validating the model. Computational and experimental results indicated that compression speed does not affect the aggregation behavior of preformed protein films but rather their regeneration. Protein clusters that formed during compression disassembled upon relaxation, suggesting that the particles originate from a partly compressed state. Desorption studies via steered MD revealed that proteins from compressed systems are more likely to detach as clusters, implying that compression effects at the interface translate into aggregates present in the bulk solution. With the possibility of studying the impact of different variables upon compression and dilation at the interface on a molecular level, our model contributes to the understanding of the mechanisms of protein aggregation at moving interfaces. It also enables further studies to change formulation parameters, interfaces, or proteins.

Closing the Gap between Experiment and Simulation─A Holistic Study on the Complexation of Small Interfering RNAs with Polyethylenimine.

Rational design is pivotal in the modern development of nucleic acid nanocarrier systems. With the rising prominence of polymeric materials as alternatives to lipid-based carriers, understanding their structure-function relationships becomes paramount. Here, we introduce a newly developed coarse-grained model of polyethylenimine (PEI) based on the Martini 3 force field. This model facilitates molecular dynamics simulations of true-sized PEI molecules, exemplified by molecules with molecular weights of 1.3, 5, 10, and 25 kDa, with degrees of branching between 50.0 and 61.5%. We employed this model to investigate the thermodynamics of small interfering RNA (siRNA) complexation with PEI. Our simulations underscore the pivotal role of electrostatic interactions in the complexation process. Thermodynamic analyses revealed a stronger binding affinity with increased protonation, notably in acidic (endosomal) pH, compared to neutral conditions. Furthermore, the molecular weight of PEI was found to be a critical determinant of binding dynamics: smaller PEI molecules closely enveloped the siRNA, whereas larger ones extended outward, facilitating the formation of complexes with multiple RNA molecules. Experimental validations, encompassing isothermal titration calorimetry and single-molecule fluorescence spectroscopy, aligned well with our computational predictions. Our findings not only validate the fidelity of our PEI model but also accentuate the importance of in silico data in the rational design of polymeric drug carriers. The synergy between computational predictions and experimental validations, as showcased here, signals a refined and precise approach to drug carrier design.